Mercer County Man Found Guilty Of Multiple Counts Of Sexual Abuse; Faces 240-850 Years In Prison

MERCER COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – A Mercer County man found guilty for multiple counts of sexual abuse charges; faces 240-850 years in prison.

Jesse James Collins, 36, was found guilty of all counts after a two-day jury trial before Judge Mark Wills in Mercer County Circuit Court. The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Malorie Morgan and Prosecuting Attorney George Sitler,, while Mr. Collins was represented by Mr. Sid Bell.

Mr. Collins was indicted in February for multiple counts of First Degree Sexual Assault, First Degree Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, or Custodian, and Incest.

Collins, formerly of the Athens/Speedway area, was charged with sexually abusing three children under 12 years of age between 2009 and 2017. Two victims, ages 10 and 11, testified at trial. The Jury also heard recorded statements from the Defendant in which he admitted inappropriate contact with the children.

If sentenced to all counts consecutively, Mr. Collins faces an indeterminate 240 to 850 years in the Penitentiary.

Mercer County Prosecutor George Sitler said, “I want to thank the victims and their family for having the strength to work with us and see that Mr. Collins faces justice for his actions. Special thanks also should be given for the work of Sgt. Steve Sommers, Sgt. Melissa Clemons, and the staff at Child Protect.”

Jesse James Collins was remanded to the Southern Regional Jail pending sentencing, scheduled for the 26th of November at 10:00 am.

Tyler Barker is currently the Interim News Director and Digital Content Manager for WOAY-TV. I was promoted to this job in Mid-November. I still will fill in on weather from time to time. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @wxtylerb. Have any news tips or weather questions? Email me at tbarker@woay.com